JFK Airport to Manhattan transfer

Transfer from JFK Airport to Manhattan is best arranged before you travel to New York. You can travel from JFK Airport to Manhattan by a taxi, bus, shuttle, subway or train. There are many options so you’ll always find one that suites your needs and budget whether you’re travelling alone or in a group.

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Taxi

Legal yellow cabs (taxis) can be found in long queues at every terminal. A taxi ride from JFK Airport to Manhattan costs $52 and you will have to pay up to $8 for tolls and $0.80 for state tax. On weekdays between 16:00 and 20:00 a rush hour surcharge of $4.50 is calculated. In addition, it is customary to tip the driver $7 to $10. You will agree the total amount for the trip from the driver prior to boarding the taxi. One yellow cab fits three people with luggage. If you’re travel with four people or more, you can book your transfer here.

Beware of taking a gypsy cab. Gypsy cab drivers sometimes wait for passengers in the Arrivals Hall, don’t use them!

Large Buses

NYC Airporter provides shuttle buses between JFK Airport and Manhattan. The buses run approximately every 30 minutes between 06:00 and 23:30. You don’t need to print your ticket, you can also show it as an e-ticket on your phone. These buses stop at Grand Central, Port Authority Bus Terminal and Bryant Park in Manhattan (you can choose which stop and there is no price difference). Children under 3 travel for free! Most buses also have free internet so you can email home immediately.

Shared Small Buses

These shared shuttle buses will take you directly to the hotel or private residence where you are staying. It’s good to know that most buses only go to up to 125th Street in Manhattan. The ride from JFK Airport to Manhattan costs $20. These buses are cheap and very easy to use, but they take longer than a taxi as they have to drop off several people. Book your seat on the shuttle bus before you go. You will get a voucher via email that you have to print out. You will find the shuttle buses at “Ground Transportation” at every terminal in JFK. Shared small shuttle buses run all day and all night, so don’t worry if you arrive later than planned.Book your Shared Shuttle Bus Transfer hereBook your Roundtrip Shared Shuttle Bus Transfer here

Private Transfers

Do you want to travel from the airport to your hotel in a private, chauffeur driven car with just yourselves for company? And would you prefer to arrange your transport before you depart? Then book a private transfer in advance. There are various options for private transport available.

Economy private transfer

Choose the economy private transfer and have everything organised before your departure to New York. You only need to give them a quick call as soon as you have your bags and the driver will pick you up from outside the terminal.

Private transfer with meet and greet service

If you would prefer to be collected by your driver in the arrivals hall, you can book this transfer. You give all your flight details before you travel and so there is no need to call when you arrive in New York. Your chauffeur will meet you in the arrivals hall, holding a board with your name on it.

Subway

The AirTrain runs in both directions from JFK Airport to either the Howard Beach or Jamaica subway stations for $5. From there, you can transfer to either the A or E subway line to reach Manhattan for just $2.75. This connection takes about 1.5 hours and if you are travelling with a lot of luggage after your long flight, then travelling this way is not recommended. Total cost is $7.75 + $1 for the MetroCard.

Train

The train connects the JFK AirTrain with Penn Station. The total ride costs $10. To get to the train you will need to take the AirTrain first (cost $5). The AirTrain will take between 15 and 25 minutes to get to the train station. The train ride to Manhattan’s Penn Station takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Eric’s Tip: I have lived in Manhattan for years and I always recommend people traveling to New York for the first time to take a yellow cab (taxi) for the following reasons:

Because it’s easy

The total price is around $70 (a shuttle bus costs only $20 to $21, but you share it with others)

You will be safely dropped off and cases of fraud are rare

There is nothing more beautiful than seeing the skyline from a yellow cab